Siege of Genoa (1800)

Infobox Military Conflict
conflict=Siege of Genoa
partof=the War of the Second Coalition
date=April 6-June 4, 1800
place=Genoa, present-day Italy
result=Austrian tactical victory
combatant1=flagicon|France France
combatant2=flagicon|Habsburg Monarchy Austria
commander1=Andre Massena
commander2=Michael von Melas
strength1=18,000
strength2=40,000
casualties1=11,000 total
casualties2=17,000 total

In the Siege of Genoa (April 6-June 4, 1800) the Austrians besieged and captured Genoa but the smaller French force under André Masséna had diverted enough Austrian troops so that Napoleon could win the Battle of Marengo.

Background

After Massena's victory in the Second Battle of Zurich the alliance between Russia and the Austria ended. Despite this it did not end the war and when Napoleon came back from Egypt and proclaimed himself First Consul, the French prospects of victory improved even more. However, Napoleon needed time in order to bring his troops in Italy so he ordered Massena to hold Nice and Genoa at all cost until he arrived.

Beginning

Initially the French had about 60,000 soldiers, but due to diseases they were reduced to about 36,000 fighting men. Austrian commander Melas had around 120,000 soldiers available in Italy. After the first engagements despite the bravery of the French commanded by Suchet and Soult Genoa was soon cut off from any outside help and by April 6 the French were surrounded not only by land, but also by sea where a strong British squadron had just taken position. Nevertheless the French morale remained high and Massena was determined to hold on.

iege

Genoa was defended both by nature and by strong forts, but Massena intended a more offensive strategy. On April 7 he ordered an attack on Monte Ratti, which resulted in the Austrians being thrown out of the Apennines and the French capturing about 1,500 prisoners, including Baron D'Aspres. On April 9 Massena started a desperate operation to unite with the rest of the French forces commanded by Suchet. Although Massena was cut off with only 1,200 soldiers against 10,000 Austrians he endured their attacks and with the help of Soult captured another 4,000 prisoners. After this battle the French finally shut themselves in the city. Soon followed other desperately fought battles especially those for Fort Quezzi and Fort Richelieu, inflicting further heavy casualties on the Austrians. This was followed by a battle for the possession of Mount Creto at which the French were victorious again and the Austrians halted all further actions.

However, the famine in Genoa was becoming worse despite Napoleon's promises that he was coming to relieve the garrison. The famine became so great that Massena ordered bread to be made of linseeds and cacao. The prospects for revolt of the troops increased, but Massena still refused to surrender until June 4, with the condition that the Austrians provide him and his men a safe passage to French territories, and the remaining 7,000 men retreated to France with full honors.

Aftermath

Despite the fact that he had lost the city, Massena had given Napoleon valuable time leading up to the Battle of Marengo. As in many sieges, the French were beaten not by the enemy troops, but by the lack of food. This victory also added to the fame of Andre Massena.